Hartford cracks down on mosquitoes; targeting the insects in ‘high breeding sites’

The city of Hartford is cracking down on mosquitoes and has applied mosquito larvicide treatment “in high breeding sites” in the city with a goal of cutting down on the insect’s activity, according to officials.

The larvicide applications by All Habitat Services includes regular inspections of “high breeding site locations,” the city said in a statement. The applications are done as a result of the city Department of Health and Human Services seeking to “reduce mosquito activity.”

The larvicide treatment was placed into catch basins to “control adult mosquito populations in storm drains throughout Hartford and throughout Keney Park over the last few weeks,” city officials said in the statement. The city’s catch basins are treated twice over the summer, it said.

“For this specific program, technicians use three main indicators to determine mosquito activity: the number of larvae, mosquito stage(s), and the landing rate,” the statement said. “Dippers are used to sample standing water to assess the stage of the mosquito as well as the number of larvae present. If there is evidence of breeding, the technician applies granular larvicide to that site to curb mosquito breeding activity.”

The mosquito field technicians also ride around the city “on scooters and apply a handful of larvicide into all accessible catch basins.”

The Department of Health and Human Services also suggested residents take precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites:

•  Wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing
•  Wear insect repellents according to product labels
•  Avoid mosquito infested areas during prime periods of activity (between dusk and dawn)
• Install, inspect, and repair window and door screens in homes and stables
• Regularly clean bird baths and bowls for pet food and water
• Remove or empty all water-holding containers

For more information, call the Hartford Department of Health and Human Services at 860-757-4700.